At least 346 hostages were rescued from a hijacked passenger train in Balochistan, Pakistan. The military announced the successful operation on Wednesday, stating that all 33 attackers were killed during the rescue.
The incident began on Tuesday when fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took control of the Jaffar Express train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The train was carrying over 400 passengers when it was ambushed while passing through tunnels near Sibi city, about 160 kilometers from Quetta.
During the standoff, at least 27 hostages and one paramilitary soldier lost their lives. The BLA, a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Their spokesman indicated that they were willing to release the hostages if the government agreed to free jailed fighters.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, has faced security challenges for decades. Armed groups, including the BLA, are active in the region. The BLA has been designated as a terrorist organization by both Pakistan and the United States since 2006. Security experts have raised concerns about the safety measures on the train, especially given the history of attacks on the Jaffar Express, which is frequently used by security personnel.
In recent years, the BLA has targeted the Jaffar Express multiple times. A significant attack occurred last November when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the Quetta railway station, killing at least 30 people. In August 2024, an explosion damaged the train tracks, leading to a two-month suspension of the service.
Despite Balochistan’s rich resources, the province remains underdeveloped, and its people often express concerns about safety and security. The ongoing conflict and violence have left many feeling vulnerable, especially when traveling on public transport.